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Image source Augusta’s roads are always busy with cars, trucks, and people going about their day. Some intersections are more dangerous than others, leading to serious accidents, injuries, and legal issues. Knowing these dangerous intersections is important–not just for staying safe, but also for knowing your legal rights if you get into an accident.
Why Some Augusta Intersections Are More Dangerous Than Others
Some intersections in Augusta are more likely to see accidents than others, and there are several reasons why. Here are some key factors that contribute to high accident rates:- Heavy traffic: The more cars passing through an intersection, the higher the chances of a crash. During rush hour, when commuters are in a hurry, collisions become even more likely.
- Limited visibility: Some intersections have sharp curves, blocked sightlines, or poor lighting at night. If drivers can’t clearly see what’s ahead, accidents happen more easily.
- Confusing road design: When lane markings fade, traffic signals don’t work properly, or signs are unclear, drivers may hesitate or make sudden moves, leading to crashes.
- High pedestrian traffic: Intersections near schools, malls, and hospitals have a lot of foot traffic. If drivers aren’t paying attention or pedestrians don’t follow signals, accidents can occur.
- Reckless and distracted driving: Speeding, texting behind the wheel, running red lights, and failing to yield the right-of-way can make even a well-designed intersection dangerous.
Most Dangerous Intersections in Augusta
These spots are busy with cars, trucks, and pedestrians every day, making them high-risk areas for crashes. Below are a few of the most dangerous intersections in Augusta and why they pose such a threat:- Gordon Highway & Deans Bridge Road: This intersection is one of the busiest in Augusta. It is packed with both local traffic and big trucks. With so many vehicles moving in different directions, accidents happen often. Drivers switching lanes quickly, running red lights, and speeding are common issues.
- Washington Road & I-20 Interchange: This area is a nightmare during rush hour. Merging lanes, fast-moving traffic, and drivers trying to get on or off the highway make it chaotic. Accidents here often involve side-impact and rear-end crashes when drivers misjudge distances, fail to yield, or stop suddenly.
- Peach Orchard & Windsor Spring Road: Left-turn accidents happen a lot at this intersection because drivers often miscalculate the speed of oncoming cars. It’s also dangerous for pedestrians since many people walk here to get to businesses and bus stops. Speeding cars make crossing the street even riskier.
- Walton Way & 15th Street: Since this intersection is near schools, hospitals, and many businesses, it sees a mix of cars, pedestrians, and cyclists. Many accidents happen when drivers don’t notice people walking or biking. With so many distractions, it’s easy for drivers to overlook a pedestrian crossing the street, which can lead to serious injuries.
- Bobby Jones Expressway Intersections: This busy highway has several high-speed intersections where cars are constantly merging and switching lanes. Many drivers misjudge gaps in traffic or change lanes too suddenly, causing crashes. Since cars are moving fast in this area, accidents tend to be more severe, leading to major injuries and vehicle damage.
Common Types of Accidents at Dangerous Intersections
Here are some of the most common types of accidents at busy intersections and why they happen:Rear-End Collisions
They usually happen when a driver is following too closely and doesn’t have enough time to stop when the car in front suddenly slows down. Heavy traffic, quick-changing traffic lights, and distractions (texting or looking away from the road), make these accidents even more likely. Even at low speeds, rear-end crashes can cause whiplash, back injuries, and costly vehicle damage.Side-Impact (T-Bone) Crashes
T-bone accidents happen when one car slams into the side of another, often at high speeds. These crashes usually occur when a driver runs a red light, doesn’t yield while making a left turn, or misjudges how fast another car is going. Since the sides of vehicles don’t offer as much protection as the front or back, these accidents can be extremely dangerous–especially for passengers sitting on the impacted side.Pedestrian and Cyclists Accidents
Accidents happen when drivers don’t yield at crosswalks, turn without checking for pedestrians, or speed through intersections. Since cyclists and pedestrians don’t have the protection of a car, even a low-speed crash can cause life-threatening injuries.Multi-Vehicle Pileups
At crowded intersections, one small crash can quickly turn into a pileup involving multiple cars. If a driver rear-ends another vehicle, for example, the impact can push that car into another, creating a chain reaction. These types of accidents are more likely at intersections where traffic moves fast, sudden stops happen often, or visibility is poor.What to Do After An Accident at a Dangerous Intersection
Getting into a car accident can be scary, especially at one of Augusta’s busiest intersections. You might feel shaken, confused, or unsure of what to do next. But taking the right steps can help protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you should do if you’re in a crash at a high-risk intersection:- Get medical help: Some injuries like whiplash or internal bleeding, don’t show symptoms right away. A medical check-up can catch these issues early and also create a record of your injuries, which can help if you need to file an insurance claim later.
- Call the police: Always report the accident, no matter how minor it seems. A police report is an official record of what happened and can be helpful if there’s a disagreement about who was at fault.
- Take pictures and gather information: If you’re able to, take clear photos of the accident scene, including damage to all vehicles, skid marks, traffic lights, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact details in case you need their statement later. The more evidence you have, the easier it will be to deal with insurance claims.
- Be careful what you say: After an accident, it’s normal to want to apologize or explain what happened. But even a simple “I’m sorry” could be taken as admitting fault. Stick to the facts when talking to the police, other drivers, and insurance companies. Let the investigators determine who was responsible.
- Talk to a lawyer: An accident attorney Augusta can explain your rights, handle insurance companies, and fight for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly for less than you deserve, so having legal help can make a big difference.
